Even though it was hard for me in the beginning to get used to Kenya and its culture, during my 3 month stay I really learned how to love this country and every single bit of it. However, some things down there are still a little weird and funny for me, but, believe it or not, I really miss it all! So, here in this article – Reasons why Kenya is the best, I have gathered few of the things!
1. You can carry everything on your head. (After a while this actually isn’t that weird anymore)
Glassblowing is popular all over the world and, of course, Kenya is doing that as well. Kitengela is a Kenyan brand producing handmade glass items and using only recycled raw materials. Awesome, right? Especially in Kenya where pollution is so high.
Recycled glass
One of the reasons why Nairobi is such a special city is that it has National Park only 15 minutes away by car from the center of Nairobi. It is basically like having a Safari in the city, because it is possible to see there all the animals of the big five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos, and, of course, others as well – zebras, giraffes, baboons, hyenas and much more.
Since most of the animals are sleeping during the day because of the heat, make sure you are at the park early in the morning. It is open from 6:30 am. I was quite lucky and managed to see almost all of the big 5, and a lion trying to hunt pumba. And that’s exactly how you are supposed to eat meat! Continue reading
One of the major concerns, which might cross your mind when traveling to a different country and planning to stay there for a while is – can I feel and be safe there? Especially when it is a different continent with different culture, backgrounds, history and habits.
In my case it is Kenya. Before coming here I had no clue about the safety in this country or what so ever. I didn’t know anything. By some people I was told that they feel much safer here than in Europe and by others that Africa is the safest place on the Earth. But what does the word ‘safe’ means? Is it the guard who spends uncountable hours every day by standing at the gate to your house? Is it the electricity fence and security cameras around your building? Or is it the people you are surrounded by and just the way you feel? Everyone’s perception of this word or feeling might be different. Continue reading
I have always been amazed by African women hairstyles and how beautiful their hair are when braided. Since I am currently in Kenya and every single day I can see these women with their long, beautiful braids wherever I go, thought about doing it was bothering me all the time. So, guess what? I did it as well!
I could never imagine that it is SO PAINFUL! Seriously. I am pretty good with managing pain and someone doing my hair. I actually enjoy it. But this time… It was a nightmare which lasted for more than 5 hours. Even following days I wasn’t able to sleep properly, because my scalp was hurting so bad and sleeping with these braids on your head is like having an extra pillow haha. So it took me some time to get adjusted and now I am okay. Continue reading
In Swahili Kazuri means something small and beautiful, and indeed it is! Kazuri Beads is handmade jewellery made in Kenya, city called Karen (after Karen Blixen), which is only around 15 minutes drive away from the centrum of Nairobi.
These beads take quite long journey until they become a necklace, earrings or bracelet. First they are being shaped, then fired and glazed, and fired again. All work is done by more than 300 local women employed at Kazuri. Kazuri gives employment to women and single mothers, who are in struggle. They are receiving salary, which is three times higher than the national average wage and full medical cover for them and their relatives. I don’t know about you, but for me it sounds like an appropriate place where to spend my money! Continue reading
Are you single, but still want to become a parent without huge waiting lines, paper works and stress? Well, this is your lucky day, because I have a great solution for you!
The Elephant Orphanage at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is having a project where you can become a foster parent to an elephant. In my opinion, this is the most exciting way how you can donate money and help these amazing creatures. Adoption of an elephant costs 5.000Ksh (50$) per year, which isn’t that much if you think about it. In a return you are going to receive an e-mail every month to see how your elephant is doing. E-mail includes a video, newsletter and a water-colour painting by Angela Sheldrick. Furthermore, by notifying Elephant Orphanage center before, you can visit your elephant free of charge at any time. Continue reading
Visitation of Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center is an exciting experience and won’t take more than a half a day so it can be easily combined with other activities, for example Kitengela hot glass or Nairobi National Park orphanage.
Elephant Orphanage is around 20 minutes drive away from Nairobi city center, right after Nairobi National Park. In order to attend it and participate in the demonstration, you should be there couple of minutes before 11:00. Entrance ticket costs 500Ksh (5$) for all – residents, non-residents and students. At this orphanage you will be introduced with all of the elephants there and their stories behind – how they were found, how old they are and from where and how they got to Nairobi. Furthermore, you will see care-takers feeding them and will have a chance to pet and take pictures with some of the elephants. And, the coolest thing – you can adopt an elephant! Continue reading
In order to explore the history of Kenya, see some turtles, snakes and crocodiles, and to buy some bits to bring back home as a souvenir, you should definitely go to National Museum, which has a Snake park and Maasai Market. Both of these are located in the centrum of Nairobi and would take you only half a day.
National Museum is a place where you can find all the information about Kenya’s history, their culture, see exhibits of animals and birds, and to see some live ones as well at the Snake park next to it. This museum is interesting not only because of the historical information it is providing to you, but also with the comparison it shows to the nowadays and how animal instincts and nature humans are using for different kind of innovations and developments in the daily life. Continue reading
In order for your stay to be as good as possible, so you could bring back only good memories and vibes, there are some basic ‘starter tips’ you should keep in mind while visiting this country. Especially, if you are coming from a totally different part of the world.
Respond and greet
People in this country are very social and open. It is a totally normal thing that they are going to greet you on the streets, ask how are you doing and wish you a pleasant stay in Kenya. Therefore, be polite and appreciate their kindness as it comes naturally from them. Continue reading
